Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams Release Date: May 1, 2012 Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books Target Audience: Young Adult Pages: 352 Format read: ARC received from ALA (Thank you!)
Summary: London’s best friend is her brother Zach; it has always been the two of them as their family has moved across the world as missionaries. When Zach dies, London’s faith is questioned and she finds herself very alone.
Carol Lynch Williams immediately caught my attention in Waiting, the story of London trying to heal after the loss of her brother, Zach. Written in verse, the story is immediately entrancing – Lynch submerges her readers into the deep emotional, aching pit of London’s life. The pacing is fast and Lynch’s words are deliberate, meticulous… calculated. I breezed through this sorrowful story of loneliness and loss.
London has grown up with missionary parents – living in the farthest reaches of the world. They had moved back to the United States, where Zach and London were enrolled in public school. After Zach dies, her father immerses himself further into the church, but leads a mostly silent life at home. London’s mom hasn’t so much as glanced in her direction, much less spoken a single word to her. It was understandable that London would examine her faith and make problematic decisions. As a reader we don’t know what happened to Zach. There is secrecy surrounding his death and London isn’t eager to voice the details.
As you can probably imagine, events in London’s life seemed to be defined by a series of “befores” and “afters.” She struggled with how to move on. Before Zach died, London had an awesome boyfriend, Taylor, who also happened to be Zach’s best friend. After, it takes all of her might to be around Taylor because so many of her memories with him are tied to her deceased brother.
Enter Jesse.
Jesse is the new boy at school. He doesn’t have any idea what happened to London and her family. He doesn’t look at her with the same sad, pathetic look everyone else throws her way. Thus begins the downward spiral as London begins to “date” two boys. She draws closer to Taylor again because he understands and can help her remember. BUT, she enjoys the thrill and sneakiness of being with Jesse. Her struggle to choose one boy was really, really difficult for me to read about. I anticipated everything falling [further] to pieces at the climax of the story. I’m not going to let you know what happened and who (or if anyone at all) she chooses.
The most bewildering part of this story was absolutely London’s relationship with her family. She was acting out, begging for attention from her parents who were so blinded by their grief. Bit by bit, the truth behind Zach’s death is revealed, making the pain and anger the reader experiences along with Taylor even more pronounced. As someone who could connect with the faith her family professed, I did not understand her parent’s actions. I could never imagine abandoning my child in such a way. Her mother was absolutely terrible: I hated her.
For a few reasons (written in verse, deeply emotional story, and cheating aspects) I can see this story being a turn-off to some readers. However, if you enjoy books that make you feel and think (and maybe cry), then you should most definitely read this book. My recommendation for fans of The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson is that you pick this up soon; I read Nelson’s book last year and while wonderful and similar in plot, felt emotionally attached to Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams in a whole new way.
Eva, The Book Stoner-The free verse thing didn’t work for me. It was also too dramatic for my taste, but I’m glad you like it. I don’t know why but I just really like reading good reviews of those books I didn’t like or finish. Weird.
For months, I was so excited to see Tahereh Mafi and Veronica Rossi at Book People. If I had one of those big desk calendars (instead of being all technological with my online gmail calendar), I would have circled April 26th with big, happy hearts. These two ladies are extraordinary authors. Tahereh is the author of Shatter Me, and Veronica is the author of Under the Never Sky. I read both of their books and fell in love with their worlds and characters long before April rolled around.
I helped Katie at Mundie Moms live tweet the event, so the fun facts I’m going to share with you below are from the event that we tweeted under the #IntoTheFuture hashtag.
Fun Facts about Tahereh and Veronica:
Both lovely ladies write full time. They agreed that there is so much more to being a writer than writing.
They also love to write the romance parts of their stories. (Gee, I wonder why… *cough* Adam *cough* Perry…)
Tahereh:
Wrote about Juliette’s fight to find out who she is. Juliette is trying to take back what’s been stripped away from her.
Juliette’s story didn’t come out of no where, but from questions Tahereh asks about the world that bled into the story.
“Writing is such a solitary experience, talking to people in your head who don’t exist.”
Fan mail makes her life and she always tries to respond.
When asked who she would choose to play her characters in a movie, she said, “It feels strange saying who the characters would be because everyone’s idea of beauty is different.”
She needs endless amounts of tea to write. Somedays writing is like slow dancing with a wildebeast.
When she’s stuck and needs to think, she takes a shower to help her with her writing.
Warner is derived from the word WAR. Warner is his last name and we will learn his first name in book two, which is totally different than his last name.
Chose Juliette and Adam’s names before she began the story.
Warner has a fascination with clothes and we’ll get to learn more about him in book two, Unravel Me. She sees pieces of herself in Warner via his fascination with fashion.
Sometimes writes romance scenes that don’t make their way into her books because she just wants to see what happens. (Anyone else anxious to read these?!)
Loved when we used the word “y’all”.
Says authors get inspiration from every where. Listened to a conversation on a plane and thought it would make an interesting story.
Character Kenji’s comments come from her brother. A specific conversation in Unravel Me is from something he said. Tahereh doesn’t think her brothers realize how much she pulls from them.
Juliette’s strikethroughs won’t go away in book two. She’s entering a new world so she (Juliette) will have reservations. The strikethroughs bleed into her inner monologue and stem from her self-censorship.
Veronica:
There is freedom in being able to work from anywhere.
When asked about Under the Never Sky becoming a movie, she replied, “I would like the characters to be real artists, even if the story evolves differently, if made into a movie.”
You shouldn’t get discouraged when [the writing] doesn’t feel like it’s flowing.
Her writing process (drafting) involved a lot of thinking and note taking and took 9-12 months to draft.
Thinks a name is a significant thing – a name tells you a lot about a character.
Didn’t base her characters on anyone specifically.
Had a sense for the name Peregrine and Roar was named after her favorite wine.
Went to art school! Like her art, there is a little bit of everything in her stories.
Had real life inspiration for the setting: a Central CA beach, a bay in central CA, rugged and very dramatic.
We explore reality through our senses and that led her to explore super natural powers with her characters.
Her story began as a story of contrast.
Now it’s time for recap photos and a few GIFs… one in which it may or may not look like I’m trying to eat Tahereh. :-/ You be the judge.
Below: Katie surprised Tahereh and Veronica with delicious cupcakes. YUM YUM!
Below: Katie from Mundie Moms with Veronica and Tahereh
Below: Jennifer (of Novel Thoughts) brought in an ARC of Shatter Me to have signed. Tahereh drew a picture of Juliette on the cover so it would match the finished copies.
Below: My friend, Heather, as she waited patiently to have her books signed (left) and Tahereh happily drawing Juliette (right).
Below: Tahereh and Jennifer together.
Below: My “normal” picture with Tahereh. Things got a silly after this…
Below: We decided to do silly faces, but as I’ve mentioned a few times this week, I’m kind of terrible at them. It definitely looks like I’m about to eat Tahereh. She genuinely looks scared for her life. HA!
Below: My normal picture with Veronica…
Below: We tried to be silly, but we just laughed and my facial expression, again, looked weird. You can fill in the blanks for how to describe that one.
Below: Just thought you guys should see Tahereh’s finished drawing of Juliette.
Below: Jennifer and Veronica together!
Below: This last photo was taken with my iPhone. Photo bomb, anyone?
Thanks so much to Katie for having me along! To Veronica and Tahereh, thank you for spending the evening with us in Austin. I felt like my two best friends left when the event was over. However, I felt incredibly inspired to maybe (one day) write one of my own stories (even if no one ever reads it). Thanks for sharing so much about your work, your characters, and yourselves with us!
Katie @ Blook Girl-I have SO MUCH LOVE for the people in these pictures! What a great time y’all had Aren’t Tahereh and Veronica just completely gorgeous and gracious? I adore them.
The GIFs… made my day
May 17, 2012 - 3:29 pm
Anna-Those last few pictures! OH MY WORD! Pure hilarity!
May 17, 2012 - 3:44 pm
elena-LOVE this post, Magan! It looks like such a blast and your photos are so crisp & clear. Augh, I hope they come near me one day. The last photo is my favourite, I think it sums up the event nicely. Thanks for sharing!
May 17, 2012 - 6:31 pm
Lia Keyes-Oh, this was so infectiously fun to read and terrific photos, too! Everyone looks so relaxed and happy!
May 17, 2012 - 8:38 pm
Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads-Awww — it looks like you had SO MUCH FUN! I’ve just started reading Shatter Me (I know, I know … so behind with all the bestest books!) and I am LOVING it. She has such a way with words that I want to copy down every second sentence into my book of favourite book quotes!!
May 18, 2012 - 7:16 am
Alex-I know that girl! (The one in grey) Well, I know her face. She’s a regular at B&N.
You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis (website | twitter) Publication Date: 9/13/2011 Publisher: Random House Children’s Books Pages: 304 Pages Target Audience: Young adult Keywords: Death of a parent, mystery, art, family, first love Format read: Hardcover from library.
Summary: A year after her mother’s death, Luna visits her old studio and finds her old cell phone, fully charged with 7 messages on it. After listening to the first, she realizes there is a lot to her mother and her mother’s death than she initially thought and sets off on a journey to piece together her old life and finally be able to move forward.
Sometimes I hear a song and love it so much that I wish I could lay on my dining room floor for an entire day listening to it, letting it just wash over me. (In this fantasy, there’s sunshine coming through a window. Lots of it.) This is how I can best describe my experience of reading You Have Seven Messages. I wanted to soak in its beautiful and lyrical writing for as long as I could, never breaking my connection with these characters or this state of grief and discovery that was so eloquently described.
My heart was aching for all the good reasons and all the bad ones. Maybe I’m just a person who enjoys the melancholic situations. Probably. Luna, the 14-year old going on 30 main character, is serious, sarcastic, creative, and honest in a way that I wish more people would be. In a way that I strive to be. In fact, I think I’m a lot like Luna which is why I connected to her so much. I enjoyed her sassy humor, her love for the boy next door, and how much she loved her mother.
She’s also incredibly brave. She doesn’t hesitate much when she finds her mom’s old cell phone, and starts exploring this secret life — knowing full well her uncoverings could change her perception of this woman she loved so deeply. I also loved how protective she is of her younger brother, Tile, before and after she starts her sleuthing. (Tile is a highlight throughout the book, especially when he speaks in “script talk” – their dad is a well-known film director.) Here’s one beautiful quote that sums it all up: “He’s still a small flower and I feel like I’m becoming a strong tree. There will be storms, and he will need shelter.” Like his sister, Tile has matured since his mother’s death but I get the impression he was always a kid who acted a bit older. I really couldn’t get enough of him.
While Luna’s slight obsession with her neighbor, a talented cello player and older boy, Oliver is more of a supporting plotline. I loved to see Luna stumble and deal with her feelings for him and sort of grasp on to the same bravery she portrays when dealing with this mystery surrounding her mother. Oliver is also unlike many of the other YA boys I’ve read about… he has a certain confidence and maturity but he’s also held back by the mistakes and beliefs of his parents. Luna and Oliver’s relationship is so organic and sweet and special. They seem to have this silent support for one another, and an innocent intensity that I enjoyed so much.
There’s something about taking an intriguing idea and weaving it into this beautiful masterpiece. Lewis writes with such a precise and gorgeous rhythm. I was constantly jotting down lines or closing the book because I was overwhelmed by the art. The art and the skill of writing so beautifully and with such ease. It was inspiring and certainly gave me a tangible example of what I would love to aspire to someday.
You Have Seven Messages is about realizations in love and relationships and family, and also the pursuit of perfection, the idealism of a perfect relationship or family. And coming to terms with that idealism. It is about moving forward and dealing with the messy stuff. Forgiveness. The discoveries made are powerful, painful, and raw and I can just about guarantee you will have the hardest time putting this book down for even a few seconds. It is that engrossing.
Morgan-Sounds like a great book! Your review drew me in because I have read a book with the same cover before. (Miracle Girls by Anne Dayton). So, it caught my attention!
May 16, 2012 - 8:24 pm
Liz-Conveniently I have this one out from the library right now. Great review, you have convinced me it should move to the top of the pile!
May 16, 2012 - 9:52 pm
Estelle-Glad to hear it Liz! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
May 16, 2012 - 9:59 pm
Estelle-Morgan, super bizarre because the same weekend I finished Seven Messages… I went to the bookstore and saw there was ANOTHER book with the same picture called “Some Girls” and I added it to my list. Pretty hilarious and weird? Don’t they keep a tally of that somewhere. Hope you read Seven Messages! Thanks for stopping in!
When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle [website | twitter] Release Date: May 1, 2012 Publisher: Simon Pulse Target Audience: Young adult Keywords: Heart break, classic re-telling, debut novel Pages: 334 Format read: Paperback from ALA (thanks!)
Summary: Rosaline was Rob’s (Romeo’s) first love and best friend. Everything was working out perfectly for their senior year until Rosaline’s estranged cousin, Juliet, moves back to town. Juliet steals Rob away and we are given an inside glimpse to Rose’s life in this modern-day retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
After I finished Insurgent, I wanted something 180 degrees different. What better to pick up than a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story - except this time from the perspective of the girl Romeo (or Rob, in When You Were Mine) discarded, Rosaline? I have to admit I was a little unsure of how closely the story would follow Shakespeare’s masterpiece. I don’t want to get into the details of the ins and outs of what happens because you should experience the emotional roller coaster without any warnings from me. Please note that even if you aren’t familiar with Romeo & Juliet, you needn’t worry. This story can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys an epic, tragic love story.
Despite being familiar with the framework set up by Shakespeare, I allowed myself to hope that Serle had put a spin on this classic tale. I fell head over heels in love with Rob. I’ve admitted this in earlier reviews, but I am a sucker for stories that explore two best friends falling in love. Rosaline didn’t want to fracture the relationship she had with Rob, but ultimately, decided to follow her heart and allowed herself to fall for him. She had two female best friends, Charlie and Olivia, but there was something so pure about her friendship with Rob. Charlie and Olivia were a little silly and snobby, but they turned out to be the type of friend I aspire to be – encouraging when Rosaline was uncertain about Rob and protective when he broke her heart. I just couldn’t stop my heart from hoping that our Romeo would profess his love for Rosaline in spite of the spell he succumbs to when Juliet makes her appearance.
Juliet is Rose’s estranged cousin. Family drama to the max. Rose, Juliet, and Rob used to be best friends before Juliet’s family moved away. Rose is in utter darkness about why her cousin wants nothing to do with her when she returns. I had to chalk up the secrecy and Rose’s naiveté regarding the family tension to her young, unquestioning self when everything happened ten years prior. Juliet appeared after my heart had already fluttered happily for Rob; she was a little late to the game, but man, did she make an impact when she was introduced to the story. When Juliet hypnotized (figuratively, not literally) Rob, I felt like things happened so abruptly and the story began to progress much more rapidly. Serle set up the perfect scene for every romantic’s heart and then BAM, crushed it. I wept tears of sadness for Rose.
Just as you’ll remember from high school English study of Romeo and Juliet, When You Were Mine is filled with lots of:
family drama
scandal
mystery
broken-heartedness
hostility
Amidst the black hole that is Rose’s extended family, there is a beacon of light: Len. He’s a facetious but goofy guy. He’s given the cold shoulder by Rose and her circle of popular friends because he appears so unmotivated and detached from high school life. Rose feels as if the whole world is against her when her (terrible) bio teacher pairs her with Len. I was completely taken aback by the friendship that developed slowly and beautifully and delicately between these two unlikely characters. I was often caught off guard by Len’s insight and thoughtful observations.
Serle’s writing was incredibly engaging, and I was fully invested in the story almost instantaneously and couldn’t stop reading. When You Were Mine is a wonderful debut novel that Rebecca Serle should certainly be proud of. My only complaint is that I was left wishing for more – I wasn’t ready for Rosaline’s story to be over when I closed the book.
(Take this one with you to the beach this summer; it’s the perfect companion for drinks with umbrellas and a lazy afternoon in the sun.)
Rowena-Fabulous review, thanks so much. I’ve been antsy for this book to release so I must pick this up. I am a total sucker for heartbreaking, best friends falling in love with each other storylines and this one sounds like such a good one.
May 14, 2012 - 11:56 am
Katie @ Blook Girl-Magan, you and Estelle write the very best reviews! Upon finishing this particular one, I immediately added When You Were Mine to my Wish List and will definitely be stopping by the bookstore this week to pick up a copy for myself.
Thanks for the heads-up on what sounds like a really fabulous read! <3
May 14, 2012 - 12:42 pm
Daisy-YES! Perfect beach/pool/backyard/balcony read!! I SO loved this book and though I didn’t fall all that hard for Rob (GAH, what a douche! Well, after he meets Juliet), I am completely in love with Len! Seriously, that boy! *le sigh* I loved the developing friendship between him and Rose as well, it was wonderful! I feel all exclamation-mark-ish over this novel
Glad you liked it so much!!
May 14, 2012 - 12:48 pm
Magan-Daisy, I definitely didn’t like Rob after Juliet arrived either. He just make a complete 180. I didn’t understand how his feelings could transition so fast, but I think mine *probably* really did in high school…just like that. :-/ Ha! It’s okay to be all exclamation-mark-ish about a book! Love your enthusiasm for it!
Katie: THANK YOU SO MUCH. That was so incredibly sweet of you to say. You’ve made my gloomy day a little brighter. xoxo
Rowena: definitely pick it up soon. It’s a great one to lose yourself in and just see how the story unfolds. I’m a sucker just like you!
VeganYANerds-I am so looking forward to this book and even more so after reading your review, Magan! I have a copy and I want to start it this week so I’m glad you found this a book you couldn’t put down!
May 15, 2012 - 12:10 pm
Jamie-OMG I NEED THIS!!! I’m definitely getting this on my Nook for the honeymoon!!
May 15, 2012 - 6:37 pm
Hannah @ So Obsessed With-“I wasn’t ready for Rosaline’s story to be over when I closed the book.” = I must read this now. Stop reading & reviewing so many awesome books! My wallet can’t take it anymore
Ah! I’m so late! Hope you all had a great weekend! I have a special guest star in this video!
Netgalley
Friendship Bread by Darien Gee (5/1/2012) — Goodreads | Amazon What I Didn’t Say by Keary Taylor (5/11/2012) — Goodreads | Amazon Summer Nights by Susan Mallery (6/19/2012) — Goodreads | Amazon Starring Me by Krista McGee (7/10/2012) — Goodreads | Amazon Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle (8/14/2012) — Goodreads | Amazon Intentions by Deborah Heiligmann (8/14/2012) — Goodreads | Amazon
Bought
VeganYANerds-I was wondering when your vlog would be up, it’s great to see you and Candy, what a cutie! And, I love your green nails, LOVE!
You got some great books on NG, I added a couple to my list and I can’t wait to read Second Chance Summer and Lovestruck Summer, the both sound great!
May 13, 2012 - 9:28 pm
Estelle-M, so glad you noticed my nails. I was hoping you would. The color is a lot like guacamole and Kermit the Frog (which my dad commented on today). So glad you added a few of the books to your list! I can’t wait to hear what you think. I’ve been lucky to read some great stuff lately! xo
May 13, 2012 - 9:40 pm
Annette-I really enjoyed Friendship bread, and did go on a bread-making kick after reading it! Enjoy your books!
May 13, 2012 - 9:42 pm
Estelle-Annette, so glad to hear that about Friendship Bread! Perhaps it will get me out of my baking rut! Thanks for stopping by!
May 13, 2012 - 11:40 pm
elena-Your cat is qt! Casual hanging, I like it. Starring Me sounded like something I would read until the religion part. I’m not a religious person either and it makes me uncomfortable. Hooray for Second Chance Summer. Also I am so glad you liked Divergent! I think I should give Lovestruck Summer a chance before Unbreak My Heart, which I’m excited for.
May 14, 2012 - 1:34 pm
Katie @ Blook Girl-I also have Kissing Shakespeare and Intentions and hope they turn out to be as good as they look/sound! Can’t wait to get to them
I’ve been convinced, yet again, by Magan’s review for Second Chance Summer, and hope to have that on my own shelf this week!
Waiting by Carol Lynch Williams
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You Have Seven Messages by Stewart Lewis (
When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle [
by Magan
1 comment
Eva, The Book Stoner - The free verse thing didn’t work for me. It was also too dramatic for my taste, but I’m glad you like it. I don’t know why but I just really like reading good reviews of those books I didn’t like or finish. Weird.